Ocala, Florida

• What is Ocala National Forest?
  • Ocala National Forest is a large sand scrub pine forest located in Central Florida.
  • The forest is known for its natural hot springs and diverse recreational opportunities.
• What is Alexander Springs Recreational Area?
  • Alexander Springs is a beautiful freshwater spring located within Ocala National Forest.
  • The spring is easily accessible to tourists and offers clear, turquoise waters.
• What activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the 72-degree Fahrenheit waters.
  • Additional activities in the area include:
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Off-road ATV riding
• What amenities are available?
  • The area features picnic areas and paved walking trails around the spring.
  • A campground is available with spaces for both tents and RVs.

Address: Ocala National Forest, County Road 445 Altoona, FL 32702, Phone: 352-669-3522

• What is the Appleton Museum of Art?
  • Located on the campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is one of the premiere destinations for fine art in Florida.
  • The museum consists of five galleries and an auditorium that surround a beautifully landscaped courtyard.
• What kind of art and exhibits are on display?
  • The museum features an expansive collection of European art, artifacts, and design, which are displayed year-round.
  • Various traveling exhibits are also showcased throughout the year, offering visitors new and diverse artistic experiences.
• What events and programs does the museum offer?
  • The museum hosts special classes, lectures, and art shows to educate and inspire the public.
  • In addition, the museum organizes competitions and community enrichment programs to encourage artistic engagement.

Address: Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470, Phone: 352-291-4455

• Who is "Big Daddy" Don Garlits?
  • “Big Daddy” Don Garlits is regarded as the father of drag racing, having achieved immense success in the sport.
  • Over his forty-year career, he won 144 national event titles and seventeen world championships.
  • Garlits not only raced but also designed and fabricated the cars he drove, making a lasting impact on drag racing technology.
• What can visitors see at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing?
  • The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing houses a collection of Don’s famous dragsters, allowing visitors to see the cars that made history.
  • The museum also features classic cars, racing memorabilia, and a gift shop where fans can find unique souvenirs.
• Is there a chance to see Don Garlits in person?
  • Don and his wife Pat live next door to the museum, so visitors may even catch a glimpse of Big Daddy outside mowing the grass.

Address: Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, 13700 SW 16th Ave Ocala, FL 34473, Phone: 352-245-8661

• How did the Gypsy Vanner breed come to Florida?
  • In 1995, during a trip to England, Dennis and Cindy Thompson became fascinated by the stunning black and white horses they saw on an English farm.
  • They exported sixteen of these horses back to Florida and worked to have the Gypsy Vanner breed officially recognized.
  • Today, Dennis continues to breed and sell these beautiful horses on his Ocala farm.
• Can visitors see the Gypsy Vanner horses?
  • On certain days, visitors can take a walking tour of the farm and get an up-close and personal experience with this unique breed.
  • Private group tours are also available and must be booked in advance.

Address: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, 12501 SW 8th Ave Ocala, FL 34473, Phone: 866-497-7982, Facebook

• What is the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area?
  • The 14,000-acre Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area is one of four wilderness areas in the Ocala National Forest.
  • It is a pristine example of an untouched sand pine scrub forest with no roads or motor vehicle access.
• What types of habitats can visitors explore?
  • Walking trails cross the area, providing access to diverse habitats such as:
    • Marsh
    • Hardwood swamp
    • Grass prairie
    • Pine flatwoods
  • More details about these habitats can be found at the on-site interpretive center.
• What activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Guests can paddle across the wetlands in canoes, with rentals available at nearby Juniper Springs.
• Is camping available?
  • Tent camping is available at Juniper Prairie.
  • Campers must bring their own drinking water.

• What is the Ocala Civic Theatre?
  • The Ocala Civic Theatre is a cultural hub for the theatre arts in Central Florida.
  • The theatre stages twelve productions per year and hosts touring productions.
• What types of performances can be seen?
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances, including:
    • Plays
    • Musicals
    • Concerts
    • Special performances
• Are there educational programs available?
  • The theatre offers educational classes and workshops for children ages 4 to 18.
  • Continuing education is available for adult students.
  • Topics covered include:
    • Movement
    • Improvisation
    • Musical performance
    • Technical aspects of staging a theatre production
• How can tickets be purchased?
  • Tickets can be purchased:
    • Online
    • By phone
    • At the theatre box office
  • Season passes are also available for frequent attendees.

Address: Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34470, Phone: 352-236-2274

• What is La Cuisine French Restaurant?
  • La Cuisine French Restaurant brings traditional French cuisine to the heart of Florida.
  • The restaurant serves classic French favorites, prepared in the traditional style using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.
• What dishes are offered at La Cuisine?
  • Guests can enjoy a variety of authentic French dishes, including:
    • Escargot
    • French onion soup
    • Duck à l’orange
    • Ratatouille
• Who founded La Cuisine?
  • The restaurant was established in 2009 by Patrice Perron, a native of Lyon, France.
  • Perron trained at some of the finest restaurants in France before bringing his expertise to Florida.
• What awards and recognitions has La Cuisine received?
  • La Cuisine has won four Golden Spoon awards for excellence in dining.
  • The restaurant has also been featured on The Travel Channel.

Address: La Cuisine French Restaurant, 48 SW 1st Ave Ocala, FL 34471, Phone: 352-433-2570

• What types of landscapes can be found in Central Florida?
  • Central Florida is home to a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, including scrub pine forests and cypress swamps.
• What is the Belleview-Santos Trail?
  • The Belleview-Santos Trail is a 4 ½ mile loop trail located just outside of Ocala.
  • It is a great place for visitors to experience the Florida wilderness up close.
• What amenities are available at the trailhead?
  • The trailhead offers restrooms, picnic tables, and a paved parking lot for visitors.
• Who can use the trail?
  • The trail is open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
• Is camping available nearby?
  • Visitors who want to stay the night or explore longer hikes can use the Santos campsite located nearby.

• What is Sholom Park?
  • Sholom Park is a peaceful retreat located in Ocala, Florida, where guests can visit to reflect and seek tranquility and peace.
• How large is the park and what kind of landscaping does it feature?
  • The park spans 44 acres and is designed with a mix of native plants and carefully chosen trees, shrubs, and perennials.
• What are some of the main features of Sholom Park?
  • The park is made up of eleven beautifully landscaped areas, including:
    • A formal garden
    • An azalea trail
    • A labyrinth
    • A ginger garden
  • Paved walkways cross the park, guiding guests from one area to the next.
• Is there an admission fee to visit Sholom Park?
  • There is no fee for admission, and the park is open daily.
  • Donations are accepted to help provide for park maintenance.

Address: Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80TH Ave Ocala, FL 34481